Analyzing Emotional Intelligence in Social Work Practice

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Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi *

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Sociology

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Analyzing Emotional Intelligence in Social Work Practice: A Self-assessment Name Institution Instructor Course Date
2 Analyzing Emotional Intelligence in Social Work Practice: A Self-assessment Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the capacity to self-motivate and persevere in difficult times, regulate impulses and defer gratification, manage one's moods, and prevent distress from overwhelming the ability to think, hope, and empathize. EI is a fundamental element in each phase of the social work activity: engagement, assessment, observation, decision- making, planning, and intervention. It helps practitioners empathize with clients, develop rapport, and offer effective support (Morrison, 2007). Social workers with high Emotional Intelligence can better comprehend their customers' emotional requirements, which is crucial to offering comprehensive and client-centered care. Moreover, EI helps social workers acquire the cooperation of co-workers and services to attain their objectives, survive, and succeed in a challenging profession (Morrison, 2007). This paper connects EI to my critique of my EI in the domains of relationships, tolerance, flexibility, self-management, and emotional awareness. Remarkably, the paper defines these domains, connects them to social work practice, and explains where I am in developing these skills. Domains of Emotional Intelligence and Self-evaluation Relationships The relationships domain of EI encompasses the capacity to develop and maintain positive and meaningful connections with others. It entails active listening, empathy, and practical communication skills. Developing solid client relationships is pivotal to the therapeutic process in social work (Grant et al., 2014). It enables social workers to establish a safe and trusting environment where customers may open up about their vulnerabilities and difficulties. High EI in this domain aids social workers in identifying and resolving clients' emotional requirements, fostering teamwork, and ultimately attaining better results.
3 I believe I have good interpersonal skills that enable me to develop rapport with clients effectively. I actively listen to their issues and demonstrate empathy towards their situations. Nonetheless, there is always an improvement opportunity. I occasionally struggle to balance compassion and professional detachment, mainly when dealing with clients' traumatic stories. It may impact my emotional boundaries, which I should address to offer the best possible support. Tolerance Tolerance in the EI context relates to the capacity to remain composed and non- judgmental when facing diverse viewpoints, emotions, or challenging circumstances. Social workers regularly interact with people with various backgrounds, beliefs, and emotional states. As a result, they should be tolerant to offer inclusive and non-judgmental services (Grant et al., 2014). It also helps them navigate potentially conflict-laden scenarios. I regard myself as being relatively tolerant of differing opinions and difficult circumstances. I can stay calm and composed when working under pressure. Nonetheless, there have been circumstances where I felt overwhelmed, especially when handling complex situations or navigating bureaucratic barriers in the social work system. I should investigate stress management methods and coping mechanisms to improve my emotional resilience. Flexibility Flexibility in the EI framework refers to adapting to shifting situations and appropriately altering emotions and behaviors. Social work regularly entails working in unpredictable and dynamic circumstances. Flexibility enables social workers to react effectively to crises and changing client requirements (Grant et al., 2014). It allows them to address unique situations effectively. I am moderately flexible in my social work practice. I am open to exploring alternative solutions when presented with difficulties, and I can alter my strategies to fulfill
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4 the shifting requirements of clients. Nevertheless, there have been occasions where I hesitated to deviate from conventional norms because I feared possible consequences. To improve my flexibility, I should be more willing to welcome innovation and adapt to new strategies that can better serve my customers. Self-management Self-management encompasses the capacity to control one's emotions and behaviors appropriately. It comprises self-control and self-awareness. These traits enable people to utilize their emotions constructively (Grant et al., 2014). Self-management is vital in social work to maintain professionalism and prevent emotional burnout. I am adept at controlling my emotional reactions in stressful circumstances, which is critical when working with vulnerable groups. However, there are times when my stressors infiltrate my professional life. It impairs my capacity to offer the best client support. I should concentrate on creating stronger emotional boundaries between my professional and personal lives to improve my self-management skills. Emotional Awareness Finally, emotional awareness is the capacity to precisely recognize and comprehend one's emotions. This domain entails identifying emotional cues and reacting empathetically. In social work, some clients may find it challenging to communicate effectively with practitioners due to language barriers or fear of judgment (Grant et al., 2014). Emotional awareness helps social workers to perceive clients' unspoken emotions and requirements. My reasonable emotional awareness allows me to connect deeply with clients. I can regularly sense their emotions, even when they do not explicitly express them. Nonetheless, I have sometimes misinterpreted clients' emotions, resulting in miscommunication and misunderstandings. I should actively exercise empathy and hone my capacity to detect tiny emotional cues to enhance my emotional awareness.
5 Conclusion Emotional intelligence is crucial to successful social work practice. Comprehending and improving EI skills, entailing relationship management, tolerance, flexibility, self- management, and emotional awareness, may substantially enhance client services. Through a self-assessment in each domain, I have highlighted opportunities for improvement and acknowledge the constant need for personal growth in my EI. As I continue my social work journey, I am dedicated to improving these skills to serve clients' diverse requirements better and positively impact their well-being.
6 References Morrison, T. (2007). Emotional Intelligence, emotion and social work: Context, characteristics, complications and contribution. British Journal of Social Work, 37 (2), 245-263. https://academic.oup.com/bjsw/article-abstract/37/2/245/1705334 Grant, L., Kinman, G., & Alexander, K. (2014). What's all this talk about emotion? Developing emotional intelligence in social work students. Social Work Education, 33 (7), 874-889. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02615479.2014.891012
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